Emerging in the 17th century, chinoiserie appropriated the aesthetics and imagery of popular East Asian design for European-made versions. Reflecting the exoticization of China, Japan and other countries in this era, the word directly translates from French to “Chinese-esque,” which reveals its shortcomings as a style of furniture and decor that often stereotypically and reductively mimics Asian culture rather than showcasing and paying tribute to its artistic traditions.
The enthusiastically decorative chinoiserie style was propelled by influential tastemakers including French King Louis XIV, whose Trianon de Porcelaine in 1670 was inspired by Chinese architecture. Expanded trade between the East and West led to a demand for porcelain, lacquer objects, silk and other goods, which further informed the fanciful furniture being crafted in Europe.
Artisans working in the chinoiserie style used materials and elements like pagoda shapes, bamboo, lacquer surfaces, bird and flower motifs and other interpretations of Asian design on pieces that were frequently set against vibrant wallcoverings. This whimsical approach yielded chinoiserie furniture that boasted dramatic flourishes drawing on the natural world and reflected the dominance of Rococo during the 18th century.
As chinoiserie was shaped by approximations of Asian design by European creators, it had regional variations, such as Chinese Chippendale in England where cabinets, chairs and tea tables had wooden fretwork designs and “japanned” surfaces intended to resemble lacquer work that was created in East Asia. In North America, furniture makers in Boston and New York integrated chinoiserie-painted scenes into Queen Anne furniture.
Antique chinoiserie furniture has continued to be fashionable, from its popularity with decorators of the Hollywood Regency era — James Mont, Tommi Parzinger, William Haines and Samuel Marx favored the style — to contemporary interior designers, although it brings with it a complex history.
Find a collection of chinoiserie bedroom furniture, cabinets, decorative objects and more on 1stDibs.
Antique 1920s Chinese Art Deco Wool Rug in Rich Ruby, Plum & Magenta 9x11
Located in Norwalk, CT
Elevate your space with the dramatic elegance of this spectacular antique 1920s Chinese Art Deco wool rug. Masterfully hand-knotted during the golden age of Chinese Deco weaving, thi...
Wool
12 X 9 Antique Chinese Art Deco Chinoiserie Peking Rug Geometric Medallion
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, an antique Chinese Peking rug, typically dating from the late 19th century to the early 20th century. It features a classic two-tone aesthetic with a rich, ...
Wool
1920s Antique Chinese Art Deco Indigo Blue Wool Rug with Birds and Butterflies
Located in Norwalk, CT
Elevate your interior with this striking antique Chinese Art Deco wool rug, dating back to the 1920s. Masterfully hand-knotted, it features a rich, luminous royal indigo blue field t...
Wool
1920s Antique Chinese Art Deco Rug Floral & Bird Motif in Taupe & Amethyst
Located in Norwalk, CT
This stunning Antique Chinese Art Deco rug is a masterclass in the "Nichols" style of the early 20th century. Set against a sophisticated, variegated taupe-mauve field, the rug featu...
Wool
Hand-Knotted Modern Chinese Botanical Wool Area Rug - Slate Grey & Marigold
Located in Norwalk, CT
Elevate your space with this hand-knotted wool rug, blending classical Chinese aesthetics with contemporary design. Its slate grey field features subtle color variations, serving as ...
Wool
Zabihi Collection Chinese Art Deco Small Rug
Located in New York, NY
Chinese Nichols art deco scatter size rug in pretty pinks and greens Measures: 3' x 4'9".
Wool
Contemporary Irregular Hand-Tufted Wool Chinoiseries Style Rug by RAG Home
Located in Jakarta Selatan, ID
Moody's! Mood for Love from RAG Home Inspired from a piece of chinoiserie. The evocation of Chinese motifs and patterns mixed with Contemporary shape rug. Original Designed by RAG H...
Wool
Antique Chinese Peking Rug with Pagodas and Peacocks in Indigo and Taupe
Located in Norwalk, CT
This exquisite 1920s antique Chinese Peking wool rug effortlessly marries classical Eastern iconography with the bold sensibilities of the Deco movement. Hand-knotted from lustrous, ...
Wool
Antique Chinese Art Deco Rug - Plum & Jade Green Floral Wool 9x12
Located in Norwalk, CT
This stunning antique Chinese Art Deco rug (circa 1920s-1930s) features a rich plum-brown field and a vibrant emerald green border. Hand-knotted with high-quality wool, it showcases ...
Wool
Antique Chinese Imperial-Style Dragon & Fretwork Wool Rug with Indigo Accents
Located in Norwalk, CT
This exquisite late 19th-to-early 20th century antique Chinese wool rug features an intricate, golden-ochre geometric fretwork (wanzi/swastika-pattern) ground symbolizing infinite fo...
Wool
Beautiful antique silk Japanese Embroidery «village»
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Nice antique Japanese embroidery with beautiful design with a village and a river, and with nice natural colours in hues of yellow, green, brown and black , entirely hand embroidered...
Silk
Pretty Vintage Chinese Peking Art Deco Rug
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Nice mid century Chinese peking rug with beautiful Chinese Art Deco design and nice colors, entirely hand knotted with wool velvet on cotton foundation. ✨✨✨ "Experience the epitome ...
Wool, Cotton
Beautiful antique silk Japanese Embroidery « the tigers »
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Nice antique Japanese embroidery with beautiful design with tigers, and with nice natural colours in hues of yellow, green, brown and black , entirely...
Silk
Sage Green Modern Chinese Style Wool Area Rug – Hand-Knotted Chinoiserie Floral
Located in Norwalk, CT
Elevate your interior with this exquisite hand-knotted wool rug, inspired by classic Chinese Chinoiserie aesthetics. Featuring a serene sage green field and warm ochre gold border, t...
Wool
Antique Chinese Art Deco Rug 1920s - 100 Birds & Phoenix Pictorial Wool 10x14
Located in Norwalk, CT
This exquisite antique Chinese wool rug is a masterpiece of early 20th-century craftsmanship, blending traditional Eastern symbolism with the vibrant, asymmetrical aesthetic of the A...
Wool
Art Deco Antique Chinese Wool Rug in Magenta Cherry and Jade Green, Circa 1920s
Located in Norwalk, CT
This striking Art Deco antique Chinese rug features a vibrant magenta-cherry field adorned with an asymmetrical, flowing composition of flora and whimsical butterflies. Framed by a r...
Wool
1920's Chinese Peking Carpet with Traditional Style
Located in Dallas, TX
78422 Antique Chinese Peking Rug, 09'00 x 11'02. Bathed in the tranquil hues of dusk and flame, this hand-knotted wool antique Chinese Peking rug evokes the serene elegance of a bygo...
Wool
Very Beautiful Large Vintage Chinese Art Deco Beijing Rug
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Wonderful large Chinese Beijing Art Deco rug with nice Chinese design and light colors, entirely and finely hand knotted with wool velvet on cotton foundation.
Wool, Cotton
Antique Chinese Art Deco Rug Plum Purple Wool Floral & Bird Motif 9x12
Located in Norwalk, CT
This stunning Antique Chinese Art Deco wool rug (circa 1920s) features a rare, saturated plum or "aubergine" field that serves as a dramatic canvas for its delicate artistry. Hand-kn...
Wool
Vintage Chinese hand tufted rug
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Pretty vintage Chinese rug with a simple design with some Chinese symbols on a yellow background and a navy blue background border with Chinese design and symbols, handmade by hand t...
Wool
Beautiful Vintage Asian Dragon Embroidery
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Nice embroidery panel with dragon design entirely hand embroidered with silk on silk Dragon designs are on relief.
Silk
Vintage Manila Shawl, Tablecloth Chinese Embroidery
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Very beautiful Manila embroidery with a Chinese style and beautiful floral design, entirely hand embroidered with silk on silk foundation.
Silk
1920s Antique Chinese Art Deco Wool Rug in Ruby Red and Taupe with Floral Motifs
Located in Norwalk, CT
This striking 1920s antique Chinese Art Deco rug features a rich, vibrant ruby red field beautifully framed by a wide taupe-grey border and a slender blue guard stripe. Hand-knotted ...
Wool
Bobyrug’s pretty vintage art deco Chinese rug
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Nice mid century Chinese rug with beautiful Chinese art deco design and beautiful colours with green, pink, blue, yellow and brown. Entirely hand knotted with wool on cotton foundati...
Wool, Cotton
Tibetan Saddlebag Textile Rug
Located in New York, NY
An early 20th century colorful Tibetan textile saddbleback rug. Measures: 2'2'' x 3'5''.
Wool
Antique Chinese Art Deco "Peking" Gold Wool Area Rug Garden Motif (1920s)
Located in Norwalk, CT
This exquisite Antique Chinese Art Deco rug from the 1920s features a vibrant Imperial Gold field adorned with a "Hundred Flowers" garden motif. Hand-knotted with high-quality wool, ...
Wool
Antique Chinese Art Deco Rug in Ruby Red and Sage Green with Floral Bouquets
Located in Norwalk, CT
This striking antique Chinese Art Deco wool rug from the 1920s showcases a bold, saturated ruby-coral red field framed by a contrasting muted sage green border. Embodying the elegant...
Wool
Beautiful antique wool and metal Chinese Embroidery
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Nice antique Chinese embroidery with beautiful design with flowers, birds and butterflies, and with nice natural colours with a red background, entirely hand embroidered with silk, w...
Metal
Atelier Gianni Versace carpet chinoiserie style lemon yellow background
Located in Firenze, IT
Gianni Versace's signature hand-knotted rugs from the 1980s and 1990s are considered pieces of high fashion and design. These rugs reflect Versace's bold and innovative style, chara...
Wool
Antique 1920s Chinese Art Deco Rug in Deep Indigo Blue, Ochre and Cream Floral
Located in Norwalk, CT
Capture the enduring elegance of early 20th-century design with this striking antique Chinese Art Deco wool rug. Rendered in a mesmerizing, deep indigo blue field, this hand-knotted ...
Wool
Irregular Shape Chinoiserie Runner Carpet by RAG Home
By RAG home
Located in Jakarta Selatan, ID
Irregular Shape Chinoiserie Runner Carpet Inspired by ancient graphics and illustrations of Chinese Origin, adapted to fuse seamlessly with a contem...
Wool, Acrylic
Antique Art Deco Chinese Rug: Emerald & Terracotta Neo-Classical Medallion 8x10
Located in Norwalk, CT
This antique Chinese Art Deco rug showcases a unique blend of Eastern craftsmanship and Western design. Featuring a rich emerald green field, it centers on a bold medallion within an...
Wool
Antique Distressed Chinese Panel Embroidery
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Very beautiful late 19th century Chinese embroidery with Chinese inscription and design and beautiful natural colors, entirely hand embroidered with silk and inscription with golden,...
Silk
Zabihi Collection Chinese Art Deco Small Rug
Located in New York, NY
Chinese Nichols art deco scatter size rug from the 2nd quarter of the 20th century. Measures: 2'7'' x 4'11''
Wool
Antique Chinese Art Deo Pictorial Rug with Chinoiserie Style
Located in Dallas, TX
77583 Antique Chinese Art Deo Pictorial Rug, 08'11 x 11'08. The Celestial Garden: An Antique Chinese Art Deco Masterpiece of Poetic Opulence. This hand knotted...
Wool
Zabihi Collection 19th Century Worn Chinese Rug Pillow
Located in New York, NY
A pillow made from a worn 19th-century Chinese rug. Zipper closure and insert included. Measures: 19” x 22''.
Wool, Cotton, Foam
Antique Chinese Art Deco Rug Navy & Taupe Floral Wool 8x10
Located in Norwalk, CT
This Antique Chinese Art Deco rug from the 1920s a stunning example of early 20th-century textile design. It features a rich taupe field with a deep navy blue border, showcasing deli...
Wool
Antique Chinese Embroidery Tapestry
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Beautiful antique embroidery from China late 19th century with very nice Chinese design with birds, flowers and personages, and beautiful purple color silk foundation, entirely hand ...
Silk
Antique Chinese Beijing Rug
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Beautiful little late 19th century Chinese rug with a Chinese design with dogs, and beautiful colors with blue, entirely hand knotted with wool velvet on cotton foundation.
Wool
Beautiful Antique Manila Embroidered piano Shawl Chinese embroidery
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Nice mid 20th century shawl from Manila, with a floral Chinese design and style, entirely hand embroidered with silk on silk foundation. Some stains to clean ✨✨✨ "Experience the epi...
Silk
Spectacular Antique Sky Blue Indochine Rug with Cranes and Longevity Symbols
Located in Milan, IT
A specific cluster of northern Indian rugs are inspired by antique Chinese weavings, and are often referred to as Indochine. Here the light blue background hosts a very rich flora an...
Wool
Little Antique Chinese Embroidery
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Beautiful late 19th century silk embroidery from China with nice design and red field wool foundation.
Wool
The Imperial Reverie: Antique Chinese Art Deco Masterpiece of Symbol & Serenity
Located in Dallas, TX
77450 Antique Chinese Art Deco Rug, 08'08 x 11'05. A masterwork of symbolic refinement and transcendent beauty, this one-of-a-kind hand-knotted wool antique Chinese Art Deco rug offe...
Wool
Blue Early 20th Century Large Chinese Square Rug
Located in New York, NY
A rare 11-foot square early 20th-century shabby chic weather textured Chinese rug with a graphic floral Motif in denim blue, accents in white, and...
Wool
Bobyrug’s Beautiful Antique Chinese Manila Embroidered Shawl
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Nice early 20th century shawl from Manila, with a floral Chinese design and style, entirely hand embroidered with silk on silk foundation. ✨✨✨ "Experience the epitome of luxury and ...
Silk
Bobyrug’s Pretty Vintage Chinese Beijing Art Deco Design Rug
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Nice mid century Chinese beijing rug with beautiful Chinese Art Deco design and nice colors with blue, entirely hand knotted with wool velvet on cotton foundation. ✨✨✨ "Experience t...
Wool, Cotton
1920's Antique Blue Chinese Peking Carpet with Traditional Style
Located in Dallas, TX
77524 Antique Blue Chinese Peking Rug, 09'01 x 11'06. A rare and resplendent testament to the art of imperial refinement, this hand-knotted wool antique Chinese Peking rug is an obje...
Wool
Zabihi Collection Chinese Art Deco Small Rug
Located in New York, NY
Chinese Nichols art deco scatter size rug from the 2nd quarter of the 20th century. Measures: 3' x 5'
Wool
Bobyrug’s Wonderful Square Silk Manila piano Shawl Embroidered
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Very beautiful and decorative early 20th century silk embroidery from Manila, with a Chinese style and beautiful floral design and nice colors, entirely hand embroidered with silk on...
Silk
Blue Chinese Art Deco Style Runner, Chinoiserie Chic Meets Modern Luxe
Located in Dallas, TX
30995 Modern Chinese Art Deco Rug with Chinoiserie Chic Style, 02'05 x 09'10. Chinoiserie Chic meets Modern Luxe in this hand knotted wool Chinese A...
Wool
Antique Nichols-Style Chinese Art Deco Rug in Ruby Red and Slate Gray, 9x12
Located in Norwalk, CT
Introduce a touch of roaring twenties glamour to your space with this striking antique Chinese Art Deco wool rug, dating to the 1920s. Masterfully hand-knotted with a lustrous, thick...
Wool
Beautiful Antique Manila Embroidered piano Shawl Chinese embroidery
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Nice mid 20th century shawl from Manila, with a floral Chinese design and style, entirely hand embroidered with silk on silk foundation. Some stains to clean ✨✨✨ "Experience the epi...
Silk
Antique Art Deco Chinese Wool Rug with Indigo Field and Lotus Medallions 9x11
Located in Norwalk, CT
Elevate your interior with this breathtaking 1920s Antique Chinese Art Deco wool rug, featuring a rich, midnight indigo blue field accented by traditional lotus medallions, floral sp...
Wool
Zabihi Collection Large Green Chinese Rug Pillow
Located in New York, NY
Pillow made from an old Chinese rug predominantly in green. zipper closure and polyfill provided Measures: 23'' x 23''.
Wool, Cotton
Antique Chinese Embroidered Panel
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Late 19th century Chinese embroidery with silk and metal on silk foundation, entirely hand embroidered, some damages on metal wires.
Metal
Beautiful Vintage silk and metal Chinese Embroidery dragon design
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Nice mid century Chinese silk embroidery with beautiful design with two dragons and nice colours with a red background, entirely hand embroidered with silk and metal on silk foundati...
Silk
Zabihi Collection Light Blue Worn Chinese Lumbar Rug Pillow
Located in New York, NY
A pillow made from a worn 19th-century antique Chinese rug. 16'' x 24''
Wool, Cotton, Foam
Zabihi Collection Pair of Antique Navy Heriz Accent Rugs
Located in New York, NY
A pair of accent size Navy Field Persian Heriz rugs from the 1st quarter of the 20th century. Measuring 4'10'' x 6' & 4'9'' x 6'1'' respectively.
Wool
Zabihi Collection Golden Rod Pictorial Animal Chinese Art Deco Rug
Located in New York, NY
A Chinese Art Deco Nichols rug with a pictorial animal design on a goldenrod field surrounded by a pink and plum floral motif navy border Measures: 7’10” x 9' 8".
Wool
Nice Antique Chinese Embroidery
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Beautiful Chinese embroidery with nice floral design and beautiful colors, entirely and finely hand embroidered with silk on silk foundation Size: Wi...
Silk